Moussa Sissoko has penned an emotional farewell to Newcastle United fans but insists leaving to join Tottenham was a “necessity”. The France international joined Tottenham on deadline day in a deal worth £30m after a summer of discontentment on the back of Newcastle's relegation from the Premier League. Sissoko, who scored 12 times in 133 matches for the Magpies after joining from Toulouse in January 2013, failed to make a single appearance for Newcastle in the second tier after making it clear he was not interested in remaining at the club.

However, in a heartfelt goodbye to the club, the 27-year-old paid tribute to the Newcastle fanbase and expressed his belief that Rafa Benitez will guide the club back into the Premier League. “As you know, a new adventure begins for me,” he wrote in an Instragram post. “Despite the difficulties, I decided to join Tottenham. This choice was a necessity and I needed a new challenge. “While I know that this decision can make Newcastle fans sad and disappointed, I want them to know that I will never forget.

“I’ve always played with heart for them and the club. I’ve enjoyed the atmosphere of St. James’ Park every game. I’ve liked living in Newcastle and I’ve found a warmth that contrasted with the cold of the English north. “This heat around the club, initiated by the fans, has often warmed my heart while I was far from my friends and my family. There were good and bad times. “Relegation was clearly an emotional pain for the whole city. But the heart of this city beats for this club and I have no doubt it will come back very quickly to the top level. It deserves it. “This heart I felt it beat, scold, laugh, love and hate. But it is brave and warm. “Personally, my three years at NUFC will remain unforgettable. I'll never forget it. And it will forever be in my heart and a part of me. Thank you all!”